Twee eenden c. 1873 - 1917

"Twee eenden," or "Two Ducks," is a pencil drawing by Dutch artist Theo van Hoytema. Hoytema, who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was deeply influenced by the cultural milieu of his time, including the rise of naturalism in art and literature. He often depicted animals, deeply rooted in his relationship with nature. These subjects offered a form to explore themes of domesticity, the environment, and the everyday. Hoytema’s choice of ducks is interesting. In many cultures, ducks symbolize adaptability, resourcefulness, and emotional expression. In depicting them together, Hoytema seems to emphasize companionship and shared existence. His focus might be interpreted as a reflection on the artist's own social experiences and relationships during a time of rapid social change in Europe. The sketch feels intimate, inviting us to ponder the emotional connection we share with the natural world, and perhaps, with each other.